Aqua-Plyometric Exercises: Potential Implications for Bone Mineral Density, Functional Capacity, and Quality of Life in Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Abstract

Objective: This study endeavored to explore the effect of an aquatic-based plyometric exercise program (Aqua-PLYO) on bone mineralization, functional capacity, and quality of life in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Data sources: In a prospective, single-blinded quasi-experimental study, 30 survivors of childhood ALL (63.3% boys; age: 13.1 ± 2.8 years) were allocated to undergo the Aqua-PLYO exercise program (Aqua-PLYO group; n = 15) or the usual physical therapy (Control group; n = 15). Bone mineralization (bone mineral density [BMD], bone mineral content [BMC], BMD Z-score, and BMD volumetric [BMD_vol]), functional capacity, and quality of life were assessed prior to, and following 36 treatment sessions, which were undertaken over nonconsecutive days in a 12-week program. With controlling for the pretreatment values, all measures of bone mineralization, functional capacity, and quality of life showed more favorable posttreatment improvement in the Aqua-PLYO group as compared to the control group (all P < .05).

Conclusion: The Aqua-PLYO exercises, besides the usual physical therapy, can effectively improve bone health, increase functional capacity, and promote a better quality of life in long-term survivors of childhood ALL.

Implications for nursing practice: Although survivors of childhood ALL experience reduced BMD, functional ability, and quality of life, Aqua-PLYO exercises can have positive effects on survivors' physical and functional disturbances and can, even more, be enjoyable and increase their motivation and interest in engaging in exercise interventions.

Keywords: Aquatic-based exercises; Bone health; Cancer survivorship; Hematological malignancies; Physical abilities; Psychosocial function.